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On This Day

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Joan Sutherland
Dec 31, 2022

On This Day: Dame Joan Sutherland Sings For The Last Time

On December 31st, 1990, acclaimed Australian dramatic soprano Dame Joan Sutherland would give her last stage appearance, marking the end of a 40+ year, international career which brought her to audiences around the world, changing lives and minds everywhere she went. Singing in a gala performance of several operatic excerpts including Die Fledermaus’ Act 2 at the Royal Opera House {…}

In Knecht Ruprecht's workshop
Dec 25, 2022

On This Day: Opera Premieres On Christmas Day

(Photo Credit: Christian Dageförde) Dating as far back as the 17th century, vocal works about Christmas and themes about the Holy Nativity (i.e., the birth of Jesus Christ) and the events surrounding the pilgrimage of the shepherds, angels, and wise men have been created in quick succession. Everyone from Italian composer Carlo Francesco Cesarini, Russian composer P. I. Tchaikovsky, German {…}

Howard Handson
Oct 28, 2022

On This Day: American Composer Howard Hanson

On October 28th in 1896, the American composer and musical polyglot Howard Hanson was born.  Originating from Wahoo, Nebraska, and born to an exceedingly musical family, it seems his life was predestined for musical excellence. As a champion of American classical music, he worked tirelessly to foster interest in classical music. After having had prestigious musical training first at Institute {…}

May 31, 2020

On This Day: A Deep Dive into Puccini’s ‘Le Willis’ on the Anniversary of His Stage Debut

On May 31, 1884 Puccini made an unlikely debut at Milan’s Teatro dal Verme. Despite an ad- hoc mounting of “Le Willis,” he gained the acclaim of both the public and critics, forcing the impresario Steffenoni to extend its run to three consecutive nights. “Clamorous success. Eighteen curtain calls. First finale repeated three times. Am happy” we hear the 25-year-old {…}

Oct 10, 2019

What Is Your Favorite Verdi Opera? OperaWire’s Staff Chimes In

Giuseppe Verdi is undeniably one of the greatest composers in the history of opera with such works as “La Traviata,” “Aida,” “Rigoletto,” ubiquitous with the artform. Verdi’s genius is often associated with his melodic vibrancy and muscularity, but the greatest strength of his art is his ability to embed his characters with deep humanity, even in the most absurd of {…}

Jun 11, 2019

OperaWire’s Staff Picks Their Favorite Richard Strauss Operas

Next to Verdi, Wagner, Mozart, and Puccini, Richard Strauss is one of the most important composers in the history of opera. Born on June 11, 1864, he was a prominent figure during the early part of the 20th century. Many of his most famed operas are major staples of the repertory and even his lesser-known works are held in high {…}

May 22, 2019

The Greatest Moments In Wagner’s Operas, Per OperaWire’s Staff

Richard Wagner, born on May 22, 1813, is arguably opera’s most famed revolutionary. His music creates a wide range of emotional reactions from his audiences. Some people are completely obsessed with his music and can’t really consider anyone near his level. Other enjoy it in bits and pieces but might find the lengths of his works challenging. Others still outright {…}

May 17, 2019

5 Reasons To Laugh With Birgit Nilsson

Birgit Nilsson was born on May 17, 1918. She left a mark as big as her voice on the “Hochdramatischer Sopran” repertory of the post war era.  Her wonderful Tosca and Turandot, her sublime Elektra and her incomparable Isolde and Brünnhilde are among the finest interpretations of those roles in history. In celebration of this famed diva, we take a look {…}

May 12, 2019

OperaWire’s Favorite Operas By Jules Massenet

Jules Massenet was born on May 12, 1842 and would go on to become arguably the most impactful French composer of the Romantic era. When we look at the standard repertory, Massenet’s place is firmly locked in with two of his works among the greatest ever created. In celebration of his birthday, some of our writers came together to muse {…}

May 1, 2019

OperaWire’s Favorite ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’ Recordings Of All Time

May 1, 1786. That is the day that, for many, the greatest opera of all-time had its very first performance. “Le Nozze di Figaro” has held the stage ever since, performed by all the great interpreters all over the world. The work has also developed a healthy discography over the ages both on audio and visual media, making it impossible {…}

Apr 25, 2019

No Hero: Why Calaf Is The Dramatic Problem In Puccini’s ‘Turandot’

“Turandot” is one of the most popular operas in the entire canon. It’s fairy tale story set in an ancient exotic culture and has been the base for some of the most extravagant and ingenious productions to ever grace any opera stage. It features some of the most riveting melodies of all time (“Nessun Dorma” is but one of several {…}

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